Detained at Shannon vigil

Sunday October 14, 2012 20:24

by Peace Activist - Shannonwatch and Irish Peace and Neutrality Alliance

Large Garda force, but Margaretta was demonstrating elsewhere

Security at Shannon was over the top today as the monthly Shannon vigil took place in the wake of last Sunday's "outrageous" peace action by Margaretta Darcy, who at 78 years of age allegedly scaled the perimeter fence and with Niall farrell carried a protest on the main runway at Shannon against US military use of Shannon airport.

Shannon vigil 14 Oct 2012

Prior to today's demo Edward Horgan and Seamus Ratigan went up to the airport for their usual pre-demo cup of coffee at the Park Inn hotel. Since there was a probable US military plane under Irish army guard at the airport Edward went to take some photos of it. Unlike last Sunday, when it took over 20 minutes to get Gardai and airport security to react peace activists on the main runway, today, Edward was surrounded by six Gardai in the car park near the terminal building and ordered to leave that airport. He informed them that he was there on lawful business, that included, having a cup of coffee, buying a newspaper and taking photos of a suspect milkitary aircraft. This was not good enough for the Gardai, and following Edward's refusal to leave, he was detained, put into the rear of a "Paddywagon" and removed from the airport. It took five Gardai to get the uncooperative Edward into the paddywagon. Just to emphasise how all-encompassing was the level of airport security today, Edward then insisted on walking back up to the airport to retrieve his car. He was allowed to do so but warned not to do anything else at the airport. Since taking photos of suspect military aircraft, and buying a cup of coffee, and buying a newspaper are not considered unlawful actions by Edward Horgan, he insisted on doing all three before returning with his car to the main demo back on the usual roundabout ourside the airport.

During the demo itself Roger Cole presented a copy of the newly published booklet on the legal issues related to US military and CIA missuse of Shannon airport to Garda Sergeant Noel McMahon. Copies of this booklet edited by John Lannon can be downloaded from the shannonwatch and PANA websites.

Suspect US military plane at Shannon 14 Oct 2012